Vasseur Pinpoints 'Reaction' as Ferrari's Most Important Recovery Factor

Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur is emphasizing the importance of the team's 'reaction' to a difficult 2023 season as the cornerstone of their recovery. After a winless campaign that saw them slip to fourth in the standings, the Scuderia has already shifted its focus to the 2026 car under new regulations. Vasseur believes the collective energy to analyze and fix issues 'details by details' is more vital than the disappointing results themselves.

Why it matters:

• With massive technical regulation changes coming in 2026, Ferrari's mindset and internal momentum are crucial for capitalizing on a fresh start and avoiding another period in the doldrums.
• Vasseur's focus on 'reaction' is a direct attempt to manage team morale and prevent a difficult season from creating a negative spiral that could impact development for the future.
• It also frames Lewis Hamilton's challenging debut season not as a failure, but as part of a collective team effort that is already showing positive signs of recovery.

The details:

• Vasseur stated, "The most important is the reaction... the energy that you are putting in to push the team again and again, to try to understand what the issues are and to fix them – and it’s details by details."
• The Italian squad failed to win a grand prix for the first time since 2020, finishing a distant fourth in the Constructors' Championship.
• Ferrari made an early strategic decision to shift development resources towards its 2026 car, which will be built under a brand new set of technical regulations.
• Despite Hamilton's own struggles, Vasseur commended his contribution, noting, "Collectively, the reaction was good, and Lewis is part of the reaction, for sure."

What's next:

• All eyes are on Ferrari's 2026 project, which represents a massive opportunity to reset and challenge for championships under new regulations.
• The key challenge will be maintaining the positive 'reaction' and collective energy Vasseur has called for, and channeling it effectively into producing a competitive car.
• Success will depend on the entire 1,500-person organization at Maranello working in unison to fix the 'details' that have held them back.